The Bridge of Istokles 2

The question of where the squad leader had fled to was answered by the hoplites.

Before the priestesses arrival, Persilaus had his men that he would lead them to victory. To the bandits who had joined his ranks he had promised to spare enough women, so they could share them later and only to kill the unattractive ones. The way the hoplites reported on their demeanor and quoted their diatribe, Varion became worried they would’ve “shared” him around too.

He would meet them outside after strapping on his armor and saddling one of the few horses they possessed. Persilaus would lead the charge, the vanguard against weakling women. He had made use of two more pair of hands to quickly put on his tunic, cuirass, arm and leg protection, silver-red cloak and bristle helmet with vermillion hued horse hair.

And as the hoplites grew more and more resilient against his promises and fretful about his messages, Persilaus rode off into the forest. As if in remembrance of former times, a full-scale revolt had broken out and the warriors of Inaea, though smaller in number, had disposed themselves of the bandits.

Time was of the essence and so Daria sent out scouts to track down the perpetrator, as by now Persilaus was most likely on his way to Rouder’s Inn, making haste to reach the mountains ahead of them. Once behind Rouder’s Inn and within safety of the cavernous asperity of the Sleeping Ogres, he’d be nigh on untraceable. 

But Daria did not press them forward. After the sleepless night that lay behind them, the High Priestess decided that they had ridden long enough and opted for composure instead of grimness.

She declined, however, the hoplites their wish of joining the hunt and ordered them to their homes. Most surprisingly, she commanded the greater part of her entourage to ensure their sound return, regardless the priestesses’ equal assertion to remain on the chase.

“No. You are to stay with them and ake sure no greater unrests take place. Wait in camp for one day, then count the hoplites, write down their marks and escort them back to Ashrain. I want it on record that the warriors of Inaea killed off the pillagers, thus helping us in our conduct. It’ll do them little good in front of the courts but instead of suffering a death-sentence they’ll most likely get exiled.”

“What about Persilaus?” insisted her senior officer.

“Hemma and me will pursue him alone.”

This caused even greater turmoil. While the priestesses emphasized their demands, Varion retreaded and went to unpack his belongings.

As he went away, Daria urged, “Not you. For you we have other work.”